Description

Prestige IFS814D infrared basin tap ensures energy efficiency, requires low maintenance and reduces bacteria transfer yet offers a stylish design that matches contemporary toilets like those with high traffic of users at airports, hospitals or venues. The hands free system saves water in comparison with traditional taps and premixed water feature saves energy. Since the mechanism has an antiblockage piece and there is no tap handle, upkeep and cleaning will be less frequent and quicker.

Manufactured with brass and with a tested high minimum operation time of 5 years, this sensor tap durability is not in doubt. Furthermore, such a sensor tap is simple to operate, so it is suitable for accessible toilets and those facilities that aim at improving inclusion.

Technical description

This battery operated faucet needs four 1.5V AA batteries, which are available in any shop, so they will not be furnished in the package. Nonetheless, an equivalent mains operated version is also available in stock, so please clarify that when ordering.

Regarding vandalism and water waste, note that the unit comes with a cut off time of 60 seconds: the water flow automatically stops after one minute running.

Beware that, in order to premix water, a mixing valve is necessary in the inlet before the infrared basin tap. We supply both manual and thermostatic blending valves.

Tapware filters must always be cleaned regularly. We also encourage you to disinfect the internal parts of IFS814D from time to time. On the other hand, bear in mind that automatic sensors can make mistakes when conflicting with other sensors or reflective surfaces. To have the most suitable detection range, it is essential to read carefully the installation manual in the box.

Automatic taps should be easily operated, as Approved Document M requires. Other requirements will be up to the installer, like fixing the basin tap at the right distance from the WC and floor or setting a safe temperature for the users.

For further details about these topics, please, read our blog post about Doc M taps.

How often to clean the filters?

This sensor tap has one filter per water supply (included in the package), in order to be placed before the solenoid valve. Furthermore, the tap aerator in the spout will also act as a filter.

Like in any type of tap, filters must be taken out and washed regularly with running water. In particular, the solenoid valve diaphragm should be checked every 6 months.

There are two situations when the upkeep is essential:

After the installation, since a lot of dust is spreaded during the process.

After a water cut, this liquid will have dirt.

How do infrared taps work?

By clicking here, you will access an infographic that depicts how sensor taps work.

Anything practical to know about infrared sensors?

The proximity sensors in our taps and some soap dispensers use active infrared technology: they detect the infrared radiation that a close object (in their range) reflects back. This means that hands, washroom accessories or just even dirt near them will activate them.

Furthermore, infrared sensors can misinterpret certain situations and open the solenoid valve when they are not suppose to:

Mirrors and very reflective finishes (like polished chrome) in front of them will send confusing signals if they are closer than 1.5 metre to the tap. One must be careful for example with the elements of the basin bowl: the spout of wall-mounted sensor taps should be at least 300mm away from the bottom of the sink and not facing a shiny basin plug. Tap sensors can also react if a person is wearing striking garments.

Other infrared sensors opposite them also imply unintended triggers.

Therefore, we encourage you to read the installation guidelines the manufacturer provides and accept that accidental unlocks are a (rare) fact.

Why would (not) you recommend a sensor tap?

We've compared different types of faucets and we've found a lot of advantages of sensor taps, specially for commercial bathrooms and public toilets. You can read them in this blog post, including a few less positive considerations.

You can also check this summary:

Advantages

Water conservation

Energy saving

Reducing costs in the bill

Easily operated by any user

Cut off time to prevent misuse

Customisation once for good

A cleaner washroom (no dirty handle, less splashes, no sink overflow)

No cross-contamination

No corrosion (depending on the model)

One remote control can adjust infinite taps

Neutral features

Users will have to learn how to use them (once)

Maintenance is required, like any other tap

Batteries must be replaced

Disadvantages

Greater initial investment

Remote control to change settings

Power cut would entail no operation

Infrared sensors can make mistakes

Animals activate them as well

Some internal parts may favour bacteria

More likeliness to replace the whole unit

We advise you to assess what points are more relevant and frequent according to your needs and the location of the tap.